Yoga claims to be beneficial for many diseases and problems. But there is generally a lack of studies and research which shows that yoga can actually help in certain diseases. Even the few studies which have been done have not been sufficient in the public eye, and there is a need to highlight what the studies are showing about how different systems can help in different situations.

The Yoga Institute, Santa Cruz has been actively involved in studying the actual effects of yoga. Since 1987 they have been holding camps for people with particular types of ailments and actually keeping records on how their advice, exercise regimes, diet advice helps in the ailment. These short–term 2–day camps, which give a holistic approach, have had a great effect on those who participated.

The Yoga Institute emphasise a change in values through changed attitudes and new habits culminating in a new healthy life style as the management technique in diabetes. The Yoga Plan for Total Health is a carefully conceived 10–point training program, which includes:

• Helping to establish healthy routines through change in diet, sleep and posture.
• Self care through urine testing.
• Understanding the emotional implications of the disease and how to overcome anxiety and apathy, and the consequent swings in blood sugar levels.
• How to eat, what to eat, when to eat and why not to eat certain foods.
• Exercising and stretching the spine and various muscles of the body through yogic practice.
• Yogic breathing and concentration through Asanas, Pranayamas, Kriyas such as Trataka, Candle Gazing, Jalneti and Kapalbhati.
• Yogic relaxation mainly Savasana, Nispandbhava and Dradhasana as destressors.
• Acceptance of Yogic Philosophy and way of life, with group discussions, sharing sessions and Karma Yoga.
• A period of Mauna (silence) for stock taking and reflection, and Abhyasa to put learning into practice.

Follow ups revealed that those who kept up their practice and changed their basic attitudes towards life show a marked and consistent improvement in their health status. Those who attended the camps had this to say:

46 year old, A.R. Shetty, who went through a two–day camp said:
“My sugar was fasting 325, and PP 440, and blood pressure was 160/90. I was hospitalized for a month and my blood sugar was brought down with insulin. The thought of taking insulin for the rest of my life was so terrifying I looked for alternatives. By adhering to the Yogic practices which I had learnt at the camp, the sugar has reduced to 119 fasting and 160, PP. My blood pressure is around 140/90. I have become a vegetarian and I am a happier and more relaxed person. Thanks to the Yoga Institute.”

The results of 40 patients who attended the camp were studied. The age group was 30–68 years, and there were 32 males and 8 females. Most of them were non–insulin depended patients with average duration of diabetes ranging from 3–5 years. At the beginning of the study, blood sugar was tested. After the camp, the blood sugar, urine sugar, weight and blood sugar were tested again.

The tests showed that both fasting and PP blood sugar showed a distinct fall to near normal values, requiring significant reduction in medicines. Only 3 patients did not show any improvement at all.

Resource
Yogic Life for Control of Diabetes, published by the Yoga Institute,
Prabhat Colony, Santa Cruz (E),
Mumbai 400 055